In the past, the youth churches have responded to the developments of fringe churchliness. However, these types of initiatives no longer seem to meet the need. The traditional churches were very critical of the initiative of youth churches. Yet they were forerunners in reaching young people. Churches were anxious to change rules and structures. That fear can be paralyzing. It is important not to go all out just to be an attractive church. The point is that a church should not be inward-looking and should respond to changes in society.
Responding to changes
Dutch society has changed in many respects in recent decades. The Christian testimony of faith in youth culture is under pressure. In our society, youth culture is constantly changing. For example, addiction problems have a major impact on the mental and physical health of young people.
Developments in the field of addiction problems tend towards an approach to reach the vulnerable and fringe target group from within their own municipality.
Finding questions about meaning and appropriate spiritual care for the target group in question are reasons for these types of proposals. However, it does not yet provide ready-made solutions, but it is primarily an impetus to think about how the church can give substance to this.
Objective of the service
The purpose of a ‘special’ service is to connect with addicted young people from the fringe church in an accessible way so that they, with their limitations, can also be included in a loving community of Jesus Christ.
Example of addicted youth from the fringe of the church J., 24 years old, living at home, addicted and poor relationship with parents. Has not been to Sunday worship for years, does not attend catechism or association. J. also gets no further in conversations with elders. He is constantly accused of not coming to church. The bar is sometimes set so high that he is expected to attend church twice on Sunday. Parents show no understanding for his irreligiousness.
Addiction care
In conversations with people from addiction care on the street, there are sometimes good conversations about faith. J. indicates that he does believe but has a thousand and one questions. He says the pastor or the elders don’t understand him. First of all, this is a typical accusation of an addicted young person, but it is not always justified. The church cannot always be blamed for the fact that the blame lies with the church. However, in a one-on-one conversation with Jan, it appears that he is open to ending the conversations with Bible reading and prayer. Due to J.’s mental condition, he is unable to attend Sunday worship services. Sometimes he wants to, but he dreads it because he feels like everyone is looking at him.
Current situation and trend for the future
The above practical case is an example that you as a church may encounter. What happens to addicted young people who silently leave the church in this way? In some cases, leaving church is not a sign that young people are also turning their backs on God. Fortunately not, in practice it is often more difficult. Young people who leave the church find it difficult to find their way back. Outside of a loving community of Jesus Christ, recovery from addiction problems is very difficult.
National trend
Nationally, young people are leaving church by the dozen. It is expected that this trend will continue and the number of young people leaving church will increase. Even if a local church finds that the target group in question is not (yet) large, you as a local church must respond to the developments. Precisely because these developments also create opportunities to offer peripherally addicted young people a place that meets their needs.
Reasons why addicted young people cannot (yet) attend worship services
- Psychological causes
- Serious addiction
- Critical towards church
- Family problems
- Questions of faith and uncertainty
- Little or no understanding or knowledge about addiction among office holders
Proposal plan of action
- Equipping office holders ‘how to deal with addicted peripheral church target group’.
- Providing good pastoral care that builds trust and understanding between the young person, pastor, and parents.
- Have conversations with parents to learn understanding. Don’t set the bar high. Despite the difficult situation parents face, it is important to focus on what is feasible. This does not mean giving the young person the understanding of every ‘thing’. There must be a thorough (medical) reason to visit the ‘special service’.
- In some cases, attending the special service can be for a longer period of time, but in other cases you can work towards attending the Sunday worship service, catechism or association.
What is needed?
- Space where media such as sound and projector are present.
- Leadership of pastor/church youth worker/congregation member.
- Bibles (possibly a Bible can be offered on behalf of the church.
Example liturgy special service
- The liturgy of worship will be followed during the special service.
- Attendees at the special service sing along with the specified songs during the worship service.
- During the collection in the worship service, a collection is also taken in the special service.
- Closing with prayer by pastor/church youth worker/congregation member.
Example variant special service
- During the special service, the liturgy of the worship service will be followed, with the exception of the sermon.
- Attendees at the special service sing along with the specified songs during the worship service.
- During the collection in the worship service, a collection is also taken in the special service.
- During the sermon, a Bible study is held that is in line with the living environment and needs of the target group.
- Closing with prayer and simple bread meal.
Decision
This proposal is only advice with a number of guidelines. It is necessary that there is broad support for such a project. The knowledge, commitment and experience of pastors, office bearers and (church) youth workers is of great importance to make the project a success. Don’t make it difficult. Simplicity is the strength.